Monday, December 8, 2008

This week Robb Vallier and I went back into the studio to finish up work on two more tracks for Wuthering Heights. Once again Robb has done an amazing job with the arrangements and production on: “I Am The Man” and “Kiss The Moon.” Both tracks are unique and yet hold true to the starkly emotional themes and symbolism running through Emily Bronte’s powerful novel. The site has received thousands of visitors from around the globe and I’m very grateful for the kind words and requests to know when the tracks will be available for download.

Well! We’re working on it and I’ll make an announcement regarding the downloadable EP in the very near future.

Work commenced on the new tracks in June, when we laid down the basic framework and vocals with Jennifer Korbee for “I Am The Man.” I sang the vocals on “Kiss The Moon.” Once again, Jennifer brought an emotional and soulful rendition of the vocals and Robb and I wanted to take our time and encase Jenn’s performance in a unique and powerful musical structure. Both tracks have turned out better than we ever hoped and the resulting “feel” of the songs (mainly due to Robb’s amazing arrangements) will hopefully be as well received as the first four tracks.

During these latest sessions, we were very lucky to find a space in the very busy recording schedule of a very special guest, world-class cello phenomenon: Tina Guo. At 23, Tina is a stunningly talented musician and her playing on both tracks really gives an emotional depth and resonance to the songs and raises the hairs on the back of the neck! Needless to say I’m very excited and inspired by the resulting texture of harmonics and rhythms entwined within this marriage of classical and contemporary instrumental elements that have become the hallmark of our dramatic musical adaptation of Wuthering Heights.

What really blew us all away was crossing Jenn’s powerful vocals with Tina’s unique cello riffs and Brad Fernquist’s rocking guitar solos! Brad Fernquist (Goo Goo Dolls) had recorded a pretty edgy solo a couple of weeks ago for us and mixing the two together was a real blast. You’ll have to wait to hear the results…But it’s pretty damn awesome, even if I say so myself!

The Wildwood Tarot - New Official Website

Wuthering Heights Music on Amazon (listen now)

Who is Mark Ryan?

From the Sherwood Forest and the London stage to swordmastery and autobots, Mark Ryan has had one of the most diverse and interesting careers of anyone in entertaiment. Stop by now and again a peek into Mark's remarkable life.